Encountering Christ: The Journey to Spiritual Fullness

 

Summary

In the passage from the Gospel of John, we encounter a profound moment where John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, prompting two of his disciples to follow Jesus. This narrative marks a transition from the doctrinal exposition of the baptism with the Holy Ghost to a practical demonstration of how ordinary individuals can experience the fullness of Christ. The Gospel of John, particularly its first chapter, is a remarkable synthesis of profound theological truths and practical illustrations. It begins with a prologue that presents the Incarnation's purpose: to make us sons of God, receiving grace upon grace from His fullness.

The essence of Christianity is encapsulated in the baptism with the Holy Ghost, which allows believers to experience the fullness of Christ. This fullness is not merely a doctrinal concept but a practical reality that transforms lives. The narrative of John the Baptist and his disciples illustrates the journey from being followers of a prophetic voice to becoming apostles filled with the Holy Spirit. This transformation is not just historical but a teaching moment for us today.

The first step in this journey is accepting the testimony of John the Baptist, who points to Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God. This acknowledgment is foundational, as it underscores the exclusivity of the Christian faith. Jesus is the only way to God, and His atoning sacrifice is essential for our salvation. The narrative challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a personal encounter with Jesus. It invites us to leave behind our teachers and traditions and seek Jesus directly, trusting that He will turn to us, welcome us, and lead us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The Gospel of John presents a profound theological truth: the Incarnation's purpose is to make us sons of God, receiving grace upon grace from His fullness. This fullness is not just a concept but a transformative reality experienced through the baptism with the Holy Ghost. [06:39]

- Accepting the testimony of John the Baptist is foundational to the Christian faith. He points to Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God, emphasizing the exclusivity of the gospel. Jesus is the only way to God, and His atoning sacrifice is essential for our salvation. [18:44]

- The journey from being a follower of John the Baptist to an apostle of Jesus involves a personal encounter with Christ. It requires leaving behind teachers and traditions to seek Jesus directly, trusting that He will welcome and lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. [29:08]

- Jesus' question, "What seek ye?" challenges us to examine our motives for following Him. He desires that we seek Him for who He is, not merely for what He can give us. This introspection is crucial for a genuine relationship with Christ. [36:15]

- The narrative invites us to spend time with Jesus, to sit at His feet and learn from Him. This requires intentionality and a willingness to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. In doing so, we experience His fullness and grace in our lives. [42:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to the Gospel of John
- [01:08] - Transition to a New Section
- [02:05] - The Prologue and Purpose of Incarnation
- [03:12] - Essence of Christianity: Fullness and Grace
- [04:51] - Witness of John the Baptist
- [06:22] - The Baptism with the Holy Ghost
- [07:25] - The Question of Fullness
- [09:37] - Practical Illustrations of Faith
- [12:19] - Behold the Lamb of God
- [14:13] - From John to Jesus
- [16:00] - The Teaching of John the Baptist
- [18:44] - Son of God and Lamb of God
- [22:26] - The Atonement and Salvation
- [28:19] - Following Jesus Directly
- [36:15] - Examining Our Motives
- [42:02] - Spending Time with Jesus

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 1:35-39
- John 1:29
- Isaiah 53:7

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Observation Questions:

1. What significant action does John the Baptist take when he sees Jesus, and how do his disciples respond? ([00:27])

2. How does the sermon describe the transition from the doctrinal exposition of the baptism with the Holy Ghost to a practical demonstration of following Jesus? ([08:10])

3. What is the significance of John the Baptist referring to Jesus as the "Lamb of God"? ([22:42])

4. How does the sermon illustrate the journey from being a follower of John the Baptist to becoming an apostle of Jesus? ([10:10])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is accepting the testimony of John the Baptist considered foundational to the Christian faith, according to the sermon? ([16:00])

2. How does the sermon explain the concept of "fullness" in relation to the baptism with the Holy Ghost? ([06:39])

3. What does the question "What seek ye?" reveal about Jesus' approach to those who follow Him, and how does it challenge believers today? ([36:15])

4. How does the sermon suggest believers should transition from relying on teachers and traditions to seeking a personal encounter with Jesus? ([29:08])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own journey of faith. Have you experienced a personal encounter with Jesus that moved you beyond intellectual assent? If not, what steps can you take to seek Him directly? ([29:08])

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of examining our motives for following Jesus. What are some of your current motives, and how can you ensure they align with seeking Jesus for who He is, rather than what He can give you? ([36:15])

3. Consider the concept of "fullness" as described in the sermon. How can you actively pursue the baptism with the Holy Ghost to experience this fullness in your daily life? ([06:39])

4. The narrative invites us to spend intentional time with Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize your relationship with Him above all else? ([42:02])

5. How can you apply the principle of leaving behind teachers and traditions to seek Jesus directly in your current spiritual practices? ([29:08])

6. Reflect on the exclusivity of the Christian faith as presented in the sermon. How does this understanding impact your interactions with others who may hold different beliefs? ([18:44])

7. The sermon highlights the importance of acknowledging Jesus as the Lamb of God. How does this acknowledgment shape your understanding of salvation and your relationship with God? ([22:42])

Devotional

Day 1: Experiencing the Fullness of Christ
The Gospel of John reveals the profound theological truth that the Incarnation's purpose is to make us sons of God, receiving grace upon grace from His fullness. This fullness is not just a concept but a transformative reality experienced through the baptism with the Holy Ghost. The narrative illustrates how ordinary individuals can experience the fullness of Christ, moving from doctrinal understanding to practical application. This transformation is not just historical but a teaching moment for us today, inviting us to experience the same fullness in our lives. [06:39]

Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to open yourself to the fullness of Christ in your life, allowing His grace to transform you?


Day 2: The Foundation of Faith
Accepting the testimony of John the Baptist is foundational to the Christian faith. He points to Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God, emphasizing the exclusivity of the gospel. Jesus is the only way to God, and His atoning sacrifice is essential for our salvation. This acknowledgment is crucial, as it underscores the exclusivity of the Christian faith and challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a personal encounter with Jesus. It invites us to leave behind our teachers and traditions and seek Jesus directly. [18:44]

1 John 5:11-12 (ESV): "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."

Reflection: How can you actively seek a personal encounter with Jesus today, moving beyond intellectual understanding to a deeper relationship with Him?


Day 3: A Personal Encounter with Christ
The journey from being a follower of John the Baptist to an apostle of Jesus involves a personal encounter with Christ. It requires leaving behind teachers and traditions to seek Jesus directly, trusting that He will welcome and lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. This transformation is not just historical but a teaching moment for us today, inviting us to experience the same fullness in our lives. The narrative challenges us to examine our motives for following Him, seeking Him for who He is, not merely for what He can give us. [29:08]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: What traditions or teachings might you need to leave behind to seek Jesus directly, and how can you trust Him to lead you into a deeper relationship with Him today?


Day 4: Examining Our Motives
Jesus' question, "What seek ye?" challenges us to examine our motives for following Him. He desires that we seek Him for who He is, not merely for what He can give us. This introspection is crucial for a genuine relationship with Christ. The narrative invites us to spend time with Jesus, to sit at His feet and learn from Him. This requires intentionality and a willingness to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. [36:15]

James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: What are your true motives for following Jesus, and how can you align them with seeking Him for who He is rather than what He can provide?


Day 5: Prioritizing Time with Jesus
The narrative invites us to spend time with Jesus, to sit at His feet and learn from Him. This requires intentionality and a willingness to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. In doing so, we experience His fullness and grace in our lives. This intentional time with Jesus is crucial for experiencing His transformative power and grace, allowing us to grow in our relationship with Him and be filled with His fullness. [42:02]

Psalm 27:4 (ESV): "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."

Reflection: How can you intentionally prioritize time with Jesus today, ensuring that your relationship with Him is above all else in your life?

Quotes



The essence of Christianity of his fullness, his fullness of that fullness have all we received and Grace upon Grace that's Christianity that's what it means to be a Christian well John there I say in the prologue simply puts it all before us and says that's it. [00:03:02]

The first question that anyone claiming to be a Christian must ask himself or herself is this have I received of his fullness and am I receiving Grace upon Grace that is essential Christianity therefore we start by asking that question and then we can go on and put it like this. [00:07:11]

The journey from being a man who is concerned and who's repented how does one pass from that to receiving of his fullness to being baptized with the Holy Ghost and attaining unto the stature of the Christian men as he is portrayed and delineated in the various New Testament Epistles. [00:14:19]

We must accept the teaching and the testimony of John the Baptist now that is an absolute there's no discussion here this is basic this is quite fundamental John the Baptist as I said just now is the Forerunner and he always points to the Lord Jesus Christ that's his great message. [00:15:41]

Christianity is an exclusive gospel it not only admits no rival it admits no assistance it doesn't need any in him dwelleth all the fullness of the godhead bodily our faith is an exclusive faith and we assert that a man is either a Christian or he's not a Christian. [00:19:06]

The testimony of John the Baptist is that he is the Son of God the word was made flesh and dwelt among us we beheld his glory the glory is of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth my dear friend if you are in any trouble about the person of Christ. [00:21:30]

The Lamb of God what's it mean oh this is God's own lamb salvation is not by the Lambs of the burnt offerings of the Old Testament not the lamb that was slain and offered morning and evening in the Tabernacle and then in the temple no no these are all Shadows these are all Adam BRS. [00:22:59]

There is no knowledge of God there is no receiving of that Eternal fullness except we go via the atonement via Calvary via the cross via the death burial Resurrection via the offering of the blood of the Son of God before the Heavenly and eternal altar this according to the Evangelist is an absolute essential. [00:24:40]

The first thing we all have to learn in respect to this great matter is as simple as this that you apply to him himself the point comes when you leave the teachers the instructors the guides the signposts and you go after him you apply to him himself is this a point of transition. [00:29:02]

You can spend your lifetime reading your Bible even reading good books books of devotion listening to sermons addresses lectures but you've never gone after him you've never gone to him himself youve stayed with the teachers you've had the indirect knowledge always you've been living perhaps on the faith of your forefathers. [00:30:00]

If there is but the glimmer of a desire in your heart this morning for this fullness and this knowledge of God go after him go to him my friend and he'll turn round and he'll welcome you but wait a minute he'll put a question to you Jesus turned and saw them following. [00:35:49]

The business of preaching is to tell men and women this he knows all yes but still more important you he is this he turns around to encourage them to welcome them to show his loving interest in them this is what we are told about him you see and this is what makes him the Savior. [00:37:45]

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Transcript
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